Betis went into the match hoping to pick up three points and, at least briefly, move ahead of Real Madrid in third place, while their visitors started the day second bottom of the standings.

But the form book went out of the window as Gabriel Torje gave Granada an eighth-minute lead and Mikel Rico sealed victory after Ruben Castro's equaliser.

Neither side had created anything of note until the away side took the lead, Dani Benitez providing the cross from the left flank and Torje meeting the ball left-footed to convert from the edge of the area.

Etxebarria Benat attempted to level soon after but his long-range effort was blocked by Allan Nyom, while Juan Carlos shot wide from 12 yards.

Torje sent a free-kick over the bar in the 21st minute, while Betis continued to create chances - Salva Sevilla and Jorge Molina off target.

Benat also missed with a free-kick five minutes before the break as Granada held their advantage.

The equaliser did arrive 17 minutes into the second period, Castro reeling off a neat volleyed finish after good support from Alex Martinez.

The game opened up a little after that, Benitez drawing a good save from Adrian within three minutes of the goal and Damien Perquis responding by sending a rising shot just too high from the edge of the box.

Benitez had another chance for Granada before their second goal arrived in the 74th minute through Rico, who converted left-footed across Adrian following Nyom's pass.

Perquis saw his header bounce back off the post three minutes later and the woodwork took another blow at the other end when Youssef El Arabi rattled the Betis frame.